First Sports Diver qualifies to 40m
THE FIRST SPORTS DIVER TO EXTEND their qualification to 40m has had their lesson signed off via the MyBSAC app .
In April , BSAC introduced an optional deeper qualification depth of 40 metres to its Sports Diver syllabus . And Rugby Divers ’ Steve Whitehouse has now become the first BSAC Sports Diver to extend their qualification depth , following a dive on Cyprus ’ s most famous wreck , the Zenobia . Under the watchful eye of Open Water Instructor John McMahon , Steve completed his 40m progression dive during a recent club trip to Cyprus with BSAC Centre , SCUBA Tech .
“ We spent three days on the Zenobia ,” Steve says . “ The first day around the upper section and penetrating the accommodation block . We then did the 40m dive to go under the wheels of the
Early milestone for MyBSAC app
BSAC INSTRUCTORS HAVE SIGNED OFF 30,000 lessons through the MyBSAC app , just two months after the functionality was introduced .
Offering a range of features that allow divers to track their progress , view their qualifications , and access training materials , the MyBSAC app has proved popular since it was launched at the end of 2021 . Since then , new releases have added to its functionality ; most recently the addition of the digital Qualification Record Book – or eQRB - in February this year .
The impressive lesson sign-off milestone has highlighted the app ’ s effectiveness in helping scuba divers progress through BSAC ’ s training programme .
With snorkel training lessons sign-off also now live on the MyBSAC app , instructors two lorries on the seabed . It didn ’ t feel particularly different at 40m , although it was interesting keeping an eye on my computer to see the NDL limit approach ( and pass ) quickly !”
Thanks to the MyBSAC app , John was able to sign off Steve ’ s 40m progression dive the same day . John said the app made the whole process easy and was ideally suited to Rugby ’ s club trip .
“ As an instructor it ’ s useful to have all the training information about a student in the palm of your hand . The ability to update training records and ‘ sign off ’ lessons that evening on your phone is extremely valuable . I ’ m pleased for Steve that he ’ s the first to be signed off , as his dedication and approach to his training has been a joy to witness .”
For more information on Sports Diver go to bsac . com / sportsdiver
can record their students ’ progress , add comments and even award grades , all at the touch of a button . The app also makes it easier for instructors and Branch Officers to keep track of their students ’ progress , identify areas that require further attention , and provide targeted feedback and guidance . BSAC ’ s Head of Diving and Training , Dom Robinson , said that signing off 20,000 lessons was a significant achievement for the app .
“ It is a testament to the app ’ s effectiveness in supporting divers through their training journey and promoting safe and responsible diving practices . It ’ s great that so many BSAC instructors have embraced this powerful new tool and are discovering its benefits for our trainees and the organisation .” The latest MyBSAC app release is available now on the Apple Store and Google Play platforms .
National Diving Officer Dai Atkins reports on progress with diver training
DOWN IN THE ENGINE ROOM AT BSAC HQ , much has been happening . The long-awaited modularisation of our training programmes is finally seeing results , with bite-sized courses that can be facilitated by our volunteers to meet demand . We have recognised that safe depth limits may be advanced a little sooner , allowing Sports Divers to access 40m . There is confidence and understanding in how we can train members to suitably mitigate narcosis beyond this depth for Dive Leaders without straying into the domain of full-on technical diving , all the while retaining our mantra of safety and quality .
The development of the MyBSAC app is still a work in progress ; any IT advance experiences glitches - but thanks to enthusiasm from members , branches , centre partners and instructors , the results are encouraging .
I suffered a touch of wind in Malta last month , but my annual visit wasn ’ t hampered too much and I got to learn more about the Phoenicians and their 5,000-year-old temples [ Belloq ’ s staff was too long – they were digging in the wrong place ]. My thanks to Hubert and Ollie at a highly professional outfit , Seashell Dive Centre in Mellieha ; now that I ’ ve taken the hit and brought the wind back to Wales , it ’ s safe for you all to visit !
As my final term as NDO nears its end , I still have the occasional chat with my predecessors on diving matters . Lizzie Bird , Clare Peddie , Sophie Heptonstall ( unsurprisingly , they are the wisest ones ). Their hive mind and support to my role have been a great boost .
Elsewhere in this month ’ s issue we hear how cetaceans have taught we ‘ hoo-mans ’ to recognise positivity and focus less on the negatives . So , for those who may be familiar with such methods of managing positive relationships - WHALE DONE ! Iechyd Da !
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